. >>> secretary of defense nominee chuck hagel received strong support from former secretary of state colin powell. >> he's superbly qualified based on hisoverrual effort and service to -- his overall effort and his service to the country, based on how he feels about troops and families and veterans. i think he will do a great job as secretary of defense. >> hagel can expect tough questions from senators during his confirmation hearing which may begin this week. some senators said they're not comfortable with some of his comments about israel, iran, and gays in the military. >>> former president george h. w. bush could get out of a houston hospital sometime this week. a family spokesman says they're hopeful and they're taking things one day at a time. the 88-year-old former president went into the hospital november 23 to be treated for bronchitis, but he remained there after battling a stubborn fever and a cough. >>> 7:16. lance armstrong says he is ready to speak candidly in his big interview with oprah winfrey today. it's's billed as a no holds barred 90-minute constituentdown. arms